Polk County Sheriff's Office deputies are seeking the
public's help in finding an escaped inmate. On Friday, March 21, 2003,
around 1:30 p.m., 24-year-old Shenard D. Dumas (DOB 2/22/79), was
erroneously booked out of the Polk County Jail after posing as another
inmate.

Dumas masterminded his release by obtaining the armband of an inmate
similar to him in stature and build, who was due to be bonded out of jail
that day. Dumas braided and beaded his hair to look like the inmate
whose armband he wore (inmates' armbands have their pictures on them).

Dumas was housed in South County Jail, and convinced deputies there from
his isolation cell that he was the other inmate, which is how he was able to
be transferred to Central Book-In in Bartow to bond out. Before releasing
Dumas, the Book-In Sergeant checked the photo on Dumas' armband, which
looked convincingly like him, and asked Dumas identifying questions, such as
Social Security Number and Next of Kin, that Dumas answered correctly (Dumas
memorized personal information about the inmate he was impersonating).

Detention deputies realized the error when a relative of the inmate who
should have been bonded out called the jail about an hour later and inquired
as to his whereabouts. That inmate's name is not being released, due
to the ongoing investigation into this matter.

Dumas has an extensive criminal history, and was most recently serving
time for 15 offenses, including Aggravated Assault and Battery, Cocaine
Possession, Armed Robbery, Armed Kidnapping, Armed Burglary of a Residence,
Grand Theft of a Firearm, and Possession of Firearm by Convicted Felon.
He is also facing charges by the U.S. Marshal Service. There is now a
Polk County warrant for his arrest charging him with Escape and Conspiracy.

Dumas
is described as a black male, 5'10", 150 lbs. His last known address
was 2450 West Lime Street in Lakeland.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact PCSO at
1-800-226-0344. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous and be eligible for
a cash reward should contact Polk County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS.
ANONYMITY IS GUARANTEED!

A reward of up to $1,000 may be awarded for
information leading to the arrest or indictment of a suspect or suspects. Anyone with
information is asked to contact Polk County Crime Stoppers at1-800-226-TIPS.Anonymity is Guaranteed!